Dal immunization clinics embody 'every dose gives us hope' ethos

Dal's Faculty of Agriculture provided an accessible space and volunteers to help vaccinate an additional 1,500 Nova Scotians over the past month.

Immunization clinics set up on the Agricultural Campus in Bible Hill served members of the local community, some there for a first dose and others there for a second dose or booster. All there to do their part in helping manage the spread of the virus.

Dal provided an space in the MacRae Library, and students, staff and faculty stepped up to support the initiative by filling positions as schedule organizers, clinic set-up volunteers, greeters and wayfinders, screeners, immunizers, and recovery attendants.

“When people say it takes a community to make things happen, this is a perfect example,” says Carolyn Bartlett, primary care manager health services on the Ag campus. “Together we are doing our part to overcome the pandemic, stop the spread and reduce the impact of COVID-19.”

The clinics arose out of a partnership between Dal and Nova Scotia Health.

“We initiated a partnership with Nova Scotia Health to bring an additional venue and immunization resources to our local community including students, staff, faculty and the broader community,” says David Gray, dean of the Faculty and campus principal.

Kindness and gratitude
 

Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were administered through the clinics. The entire process was a reminder to Bartlett of just how crucial it is to get these vaccines into circulation.

“Every dose in arms provides an additional layer of health and safety to our communities. Every dose given gives us hope," she says.

"We are extremely pleased with this success and are thankful for all those who came to get their vaccine."

Volunteers received gratitude from those in attendance and many positive comments on the venue, access to appointments, ease of securing an appointment, walk-ins being welcomed and the kindness of all involved.

One generous vaccine recipient even took the time to craft her thanks, sending along a framed image of a nurse with the quote "Save one life, you're a hero. Save 100 lives, you're a nurse." Volunteers say the small act of kindness meant a lot to them.  

Consultations with Nova Scotia Health will be ongoing now and, in the future, to provide resources for additional clinics if necessary.